I want to work as a camp counsellor next summer

[lightningandsnow]

Preferably at an overnight camp, but possibly at a day camp if the kids were older. I don't work well with kids under the age of 6 or 7.

I can't work at the camp I've gone to as a camper for the past few summers, since you need to be 18 to be on staff there. My birthday is in December, so I'd only be 17.

How do I make sure I choose one that doesn't suck? (Before my current camp, I went, as a camper, to a lot of shitty camps.)

[noonwitch]

1. I thought you couldn't be a counselor until you were 18

Camps that don't suck, for the most part:

Girl Scout camp-I had a lot of fun at one, in between 5th and 6th grades.
Church camps within your denomination-UCC, UMC, etc., have camps.



The two best camps I ever went to: Interlochen Music Camp (in 1979) and Young Life's Frontier Ranch (1981). The former was serious, wake up at 6 am, play music from 8 until dinner, with a rec period in between. But it was great, the facilities were nice and the music program and teachers were terrific.

Young Life camp is an evangelical camp, but the place in Colorado I went to was just amazing. Mountain Climbing, rapelling, a ropes course, horseback riding, a hot spring-fed pool, waiters and waitresses in the dining hall, and so on. Every night, though, we got together to sing songs and they made an altar call. I was really into it at the time, so I had a great time. I can still picture the camp in my mind.

[LynzM]

2. Not sure if it's something you'd be up for

But this is a great place: http://www.camphorizons.org/

I grew up 1/4 mile away, worked there many summers and my mom has worked there for about 15 years. :)

[MilesColtrane]

3. Do your research.

I recommend renting "Meatballs".